This wine is really impressive. It’s from a Franschhoek winery I was introduced to through a friend (the brother of owner and winemaker Kevin Swart), who also make wines under…
Reyneke Reserve Red 2010 one of South Africa’s finest
This is probably one of the best South African reds I have tasted. And I have tasted quite a few. It’s a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon,…
Two lovely, full-on wines from First Drop
I love the packaging of the First Drop wines. The labels seem to resonate with the wines. And while I’m all for elegance, sometimes it’s great to have full-flavoured Aussie…
Two Cabernets from Napa Valley: Silverado and Grgich Hills
I’ve only visited California’s most famous wine region – Napa Valley – once. But I was quite taken by the place. It’s actually a really good place to grow wine…
Another serious Napa wine
So, after my good experience with Cain’s Five, here’s another serious Napa wine – this time, a varietal Cabernet Sauvignon. Again, this was drunk, not tasted. It also passed the…
A memorable meal at Shimo, Healdsburg
Last night’s meal at Shimo, Healdsburg will live long in the memory. It describes its offerings as ‘modern steak’, and the steak we had was probably the best I’ve ever…
Another serious South African
This is a really superb Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa. It’s beautifully put together with seamless structure and real purity of fruit. If I have one criticism of it, however,…
Two Bordeaux-style reds from New Zealand
As regular readers know, I’m a bit taken by New Zealand’s top reds at the moment. Here are two more good-uns, both from the wonderful Gimblett Gravels terroir. Villa Maria…
Two classy Spanish reds
I’m painfully aware that while I’ve focused in-depth on Portugal, I’ve neglected Spain. I’m sorry about that. In an attempt to begin to redress this balance, here are two rather…